North Parramatta: Traffic solution proposed for Windsor Rd James Ruse Drive intersection

Drivers battling one of western Sydney’s most notorious intersections could find comfort that a solution might finally be on the cards. Find out the latest.

The headache-inducing James Ruse Drive and Windsor Rd intersection at North Parramatta. Picture: Dallas Kilponen

Drivers battling one of western Sydney’s most notorious intersections could find comfort that a solution might be on the cards if a “diamond interchange’’ is adopted at North Parramatta.

Independent councillor Georgina Valjak has called on the council to write to the state government to undertake an urgent review to curb traffic from the Windsor Rd and James Ruse Drive intersection at North Parramatta.

She said the traffic gridlock was the source of congestion and adversely impacted residents from North Rocks, Northmead and Winston Hills.

“It does add to a constrained road and it’s probably up there with Pennant Hills Rd that I receive most representation on,’’ Cr Valjak said.

“The whole of Windsor Rd’s a dog’s breakfast.’’

The Mills shopping centre sits between the congested James Ruse Drive, Windsor Rd and North Rocks Rd. Picture: Dallas Kilponen

Council staff said an initial investigation indicated the conversion of the intersection to a “diverging diamond interchange” could be feasible – if property was acquired on the west side of Windsor Rd north of James Ruse Drive and Northmead Ave at Windsor Rd was closed.

That type of interchange has been proposed for Bald Hills in Brisbane.

Cr Valjak has already called on Transport for NSW to investigate traffic light phasing and traffic build up generated from James Ruse Drive “but the problem is bigger than that” and welcomes the diamond as a potential way to solve the problem.

“It’s good to see a potential solution rather than just writing a letter,’’ she said.

With no major transport except buses in the area, she said it was “critical this intersection be fixed”.

“It’s the only road heading out of Parramatta heading north.’’

The design of a proposed diverging diamond interchange for Bald Hills in Brisbane could alleviate traffic pains in North Parramatta.

Traffic headaches are abundant in the area.

At nearby Hunts Creek on North Rocks Rd outside The Mills North Parramatta shopping centre, drivers and traders are bracing for upheaval when work begins on the construction of the $11.5m bridge and pipes.

Qube cafe owner Eyad Moussa is apprehensive about the Hunts Creek bridge project.

The project – to begin in August – will comprise the replacement of the twin pipe culverts which are at the end of their serviceable life and construction of a single-span concrete bridge to replace the existing bridge.

The northbound lane of North Rocks Rd would close temporarily.

Qube cafe owner Eyad Moussa is concerned trade would drop because drivers would be restricted to travel from North Parramatta into North Rocks Rd “which is 70 per cent of our clientele”.

However Cr Valjak said the council and Transport for NSW had scheduled night work and weekend road closures so the partial closure of North Rocks Rd would be one month instead of five months.

The upgrade is slated to be completed over 12 months.

Further up Windsor Rd, she has also proposed traffic lights outside 14 Windermere Ave and Windsor Rd, Northmead, in an effort to increase safety.

Originally published as North Parramatta: Traffic solution proposed for Windsor Rd James Ruse Drive intersection